The Briefing

We discuss the US-Europe security relationship as Donald Trump threatens to pull troops from Italy and Spain after making the same threat to Germany. Is an increasingly antagonistic Trump accelerating European military independence?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss US defence secretary Pete Hegseth’s congressional hearing and the broader Iran strategy, plus interest rate decisions in Washington and Frankfurt. Then: ‘The Entrepreneurs’ live in Shanghai and ‘The Global Countdown’ with Fernando Augusto Pacheco.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles III emphasises the need for stronger UK-US ties in an address to Congress. Then: could the EU put sanctions on Israel over the purchase of Ukrainian grain? Plus: the latest from the world of business.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canadian prime minister Mark Carney announces a government-owned fund to invest in projects including energy, mining and other infrastructure. We look at the details. Plus: global military spending rises for an 11th year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at the results of the municipal elections in the Gazan city of Deir al-Balah and the occupied West Bank. Plus: security questions after the White House correspondents’ dinner shooting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has announced a three-week extension to the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire but questions remain over a deal between the US and Iran. Plus: the latest from Monocle at Salone del Mobile and the Delphi Economic Forum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With six months until the US midterms, we take a look at domestic polls to assess how the Trump administration’s actions are playing out at home. Plus: what’s on the agenda at the Delphi Economic Forum and World Book Day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at how energy prices are affecting global travel and opening up options beyond flights. Plus: the latest on the US-Iran ceasefire extension with questions continuing over the next round of talks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is ending his European trip by meeting Portugal’s president, António José Seguro. We discuss the two nations’ relations. Plus: Has the US lost its shine for China’s top talent? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Days before the ceasefire ends, the US has seized an Iranian vessel as Tehran downplays the prospect of peace talks. What is the path forward? Then: We head to Milan for Salone del Mobile and talk Watches and Wonders. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost seven weeks since the US and Israel launched their war against Iran, the Emirati city of Ras al-Khaimah is taking a cautious yet effective approach to its day-to-day business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our team in Sharjah discusses the Iran war’s impact on start-ups in the UAE. Plus: the latest Nordic news and what’s topping music charts in the emirates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our team in Dubai hears from tourism and education voices dealing with conflict in the Gulf region. Plus: Donald Trump turns on Giorgia Meloni. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hezbollah has urged Lebanon to pull out of US-brokered talks with Israel. We speak to the Israeli ambassador to the UAE. Plus: the world’s biggest wine fair in Verona and we chat design in Abu Dhabi. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the failure of talks between Washington and Tehran, we discuss why Donald Trump’s next move is a blockade of Iranian ports. Plus, Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, concedes defeat at the polls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel has killed more than 300 people in Lebanon since the ceasefire. We head to Beirut for the latest. Then: Europe watches on as Hungary heads to the polls. Plus: New York City mayor Mamdani’s first 100 days. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fractures emerge in the US-Iran ceasefire as Tehran demands an end to attacks in Lebanon while Washington says that wasn’t part of the deal. Plus: the DNC meet in New Orleans and this week’s ‘The Global Countdown’.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss reactions to the 11th-hour ceasefire between Iran and the US as the UK prime minister prepares to meet Gulf leaders for discussions about reopening the Strait of Hormuz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s little sign of a breakthrough as US president Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to agree a deal or face devastating infrastructure attacks looms. Plus: Orbán faces a tough election, will a visit by US vice-president JD Vance help? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the US-Israel war on Iran continues to send shockwaves across oil markets, we discuss how Asia is coping and what it might mean for Europe. Then: elections in Latin America and newspapers from Switzerland.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could the departure of Pam Bondi herald the start of a greater cabinet reshuffle? Plus: a look at life on the Ukrainian frontlines with Anastacia Galouchka, and Asia news with Tom Webb. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a presidential first, Donald Trump attended the Supreme Court hearing on the changes to birthright citizenship that his administration is pushing for. Will the conservative-majority justices rule against him? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine marks a grim anniversary in Bucha and pledges an Easter ceasefire. Then: international outcry over Israel’s new death-penalty bill for Palestinians. Plus: Nic Monisse with some exciting design news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran appears to be calling Donald Trump’s bluff by reportedly striking a Kuwaiti oil. Are energy targets now on the table? Plus: London looks to revitalise its fashion-capital status. And: Eurovision heads east. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran-backed Houthis have launched missiles against Israel. We discuss their control over Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and how their involvement could change the conflict. Plus: artist Tim Yip on his show at Art Basel Hong Kong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.